Square is giving record fair a chance to play on

Falkirk’s long-running record and CD fair looked played out after losing its regular venue - but a shopping centre has stepped in to turn the tables.

The popular fair has been running in the Falkirk area since 1988, even taking up residence in The Falkirk Wheel at one point. Things looked bleak earlier this year when the Falkirk Market in Grangemouth Road - the fair’s home for the last few years - was closed down to be converted into an indoor football complex.

A spokesman for the fair said: “The retail music business has seen massive changes over the years. When we started CDs were the latest thing and in the process of replacing vinyl.

“Now in 2013 the renaissance of vinyl is in full swing. Many dealers and shops have closed or gone bust in this time, and sadly there are many towns without a single record shop left.”

The idea of holding the event in a shopping centre has been something fair organisers have been trying to get off the ground for a while.

“We thought, with the present state of the High Street and the obvious need to try new ideas and retail formats, this time a centre management might be more receptive to our ideas.”

Callendar Square was more than happy to stage two test events on Friday, October 4, and Saturday, October 5, running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Organisers believe the fair will be a benefit to them, the centre and to record buyers.

“Hopefully the event will increase footfall and attract customers to the centre who might otherwise never visit and provide something different for regular customers. The fair promoter and record dealers get the chance to reach a greater customer base than just the record collectors and hard core music fans,” he said.